How to Change Yarn in Knitting Projects

Learn how to change yarn in knitting projects. Changing from one ball of yarn to the next is so much simpler than you think!

Changing yarn colors is a really fun way to personalize any knitting pattern of your choice. Of course, this technique helps when you’re starting a new ball of yarn of the same color, too.

Continue reading to get step-by-step instructions to easily switch yarn while knitting, as well as a complete video tutorial below!

Knitted Swatch of horizontal stripes in purple, white, and pink color yarn on knitting needle with hands holding.

HOW TO CHANGE YARN COLORS WHEN KNITTING IN 4 EASY STEPS

We begin with my little knitted pink swatch that is ready to change colors. Rather than continuing to knit with the original pink yarn that’s attached to the ball, I’m happy to share how we are going to be changing yarn color knitting with a second color in white.

How to Change Yarn Colors While Knitting for Beginning Knitters with Studio Knit - Watch Free Knitting Video Tutorial

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STEP 1: INTRODUCE NEW YARN

  • To begin to change yarn colors, make a little loop hook with your new yarn.
  • No tying, nothing difficult at all. Just a little hook right that we will put over our right knitting needle.
  • Keep your yarn somewhat taught in your right hand while knitting. 
Yarn and Knitting with white yarn to change colors.
Changing yarn colors while knitting.
Adding a new yarn color to knitting swatch.

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STEP 2: KNIT NEW YARN THROUGH

  • Knit the second yarn color through.
  • You are now knitting with only the second yarn color (white). How simple is that?
A close up of a hand knitting with new yarn color.

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STEP 3: CONTINUE KNITTING WITH THE NEW YARN

  • Continue knitting with the new yarn color.
  • And once we come around, we are just going to knit into that very first white stitch of the second color while holding everything nice and tight.
New stitches on a knitting needle with changed yarn color.

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STEP 4: CUT AND WEAVE IN OLD YARN ENDS


HOW TO CHANGE YARN COLORS
Click to Watch Full Step-by-Step Video


LEARN MORE ABOUT KNITTING HORIZONTAL STRIPES

I love mixing up my knitting by changing yarn colors when knitting stripes. Now that you’re ready to change yarn colors, you may be interested in taking a close look at more helpful knitting techniques when knitting with different yarn colors:

5 Best Tips for Knitting Stripes: You are Going to Love my 5 Best Tips for Knitting Stripes! Begin by taking a close look at the easiest ways to create horizontal stripes knitted flat on straight knitting needles with really simple knit and purl stitch patterns.

How to Remove Purl Dash Lines: You’re going to love my simple trick on how to remove purl dash lines when changing colors in knit stitch patterns that have a combination of both knits and purls in the same row. My trick will help you create invisible color change in knitting will help you when knitting stripes every time.

How to Carry Yarn Up the Side of Your Work: Carry yarn up the side of your work with confidence the next time you’re knitting two or more colors. Check out this easy knitting technique in action!

How to Knit Stripes with Studio Knit

 THANK YOU FOR VISITING STUDIO KNIT

I hope you have fun changing yarn colors with confidence. It’s a really fun way to personalize any knitting pattern of your choice. And make sure you check out my 5 Best Tips for Knitting Stripes for even more really simple tricks. I hope you are inspired to get a little bit brave and change some yarn colors.

If you’d like even more great ideas, please make sure you join my mailing list. It’s a free and easy way for us to stay connected.

Kristen Signature in Red Ink

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